House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2015, with 33% of the vote.
Regional Development February 2nd, 2015
Mr. Speaker, Canada's economic action plan for the regions of Quebec is present in all regions of Quebec. We are carrying out projects all across Quebec, by partnering with and supporting proponents. We are obviously aware of what was said by the Conseil du patronat du Québec, but Mr. Dorval has backtracked a little.
We believe we must continue to support economic development in every region of Canada and Quebec.
Infrastructure February 2nd, 2015
Mr. Speaker, since we have been in government, we have invested strongly in the infrastructure of this country: the new Building Canada plan and all of the components, for $75 billion. All of the components of the Building Canada plan are available for transit. They can apply for any part of that.
I know when I was mayor, the Liberals massively cut federal transfers. They did not have infrastructure programs. That is the Liberal way. We will never go there.
Infrastructure February 2nd, 2015
Again, Mr. Speaker, that is false. What he said is false.
Important project work, estimated at more than $5 billion in total project costs, has already been identified for funding in the new Building Canada plan. We continue to deliver. We continue to support in partnership. However, 95% of infrastructure is owned by the municipalities and the provinces. They are investing two-thirds. We are there to support them.
Infrastructure February 2nd, 2015
Mr. Speaker, we know from the past that the Liberals want to manage everything in Ottawa, on behalf of everybody. We do not manage the city on behalf of the city council. We work with it and support it.
In Canada, provinces, territories, and municipalities own 95% of public infrastructure. That fact did not stop us. As proof, we have put forward the largest and longest infrastructure plan: $75 billion over the next decade. It is quite a contrast with the Liberal years.
Infrastructure February 2nd, 2015
Mr. Speaker, our government has introduced the largest and longest infrastructure plan in Canadian history, with $75 billion in public infrastructure over the next decade, including $53 billion in the new Building Canada fund for provinces, territories, and municipalities. The Prime Minister has recently announced new infrastructure funding to deal with federal infrastructure. We encourage provinces to do the same in regard to their infrastructure.
Infrastructure February 2nd, 2015
Mr. Speaker, as I said before, and the math is even more compelling, 95% of infrastructure belongs to municipalities and the provinces, which only shoulder two-thirds of the cost.
This means that we are their partner and that we are very involved. The Government of Canada recently announced an additional $5 billion for federal infrastructure.
I invite municipalities and, above all, the provinces to continue following our lead and looking after their infrastructure.
Intergovernmental Affairs February 2nd, 2015
Mr. Speaker, the preamble to the question is completely false.
The Conservative government is the biggest champion of infrastructure in the history of Canada. We delivered the largest and longest infrastructure plan in the country's history.
I would remind my colleague that 95% of the country's infrastructure belongs to the municipalities and the provinces, of which we are major partners.
Infrastructure December 1st, 2014
Mr. Speaker, as my colleague knows very well, we just introduced the biggest and most long-term infrastructure plan in our country's history. Wastewater treatment is covered by the excise tax on the gasoline sector and the provincial-territorial transfers.
I remind my colleague that in Quebec—and I repeat this for the members opposite who have been here for more than three years—the provincial government, and not the federal government, is responsible for prioritizing municipal issues.
Quebec Bridge December 1st, 2014
Mr. Speaker, how interesting it is to hear the member say that things were moving along thanks to him, then to see him turn around and ask others for even more when one partner refuses to move ahead. That shows just how powerless he is.
What has always been clear is that the bridge belongs to Canadian National. With our partners, the City of Quebec, the City of Lévis and the Government of Quebec, we will continue to work on this on our end and put pressure on CN to repaint its bridge.
Champlain Bridge December 1st, 2014
Mr. Speaker, as I said recently, the NDP believes that just because it thinks it is going to snow this winter, they can take the credit for it. Nothing changes.
He says that we backed down on something that was never announced, on a decision that had not been made. If I were in the NDP's shoes, I would certainly take whatever credit I could. The Conservatives will continue to build a new bridge, which will be completed on schedule in 2018.